In our lifetimes, we both have had the good fortune of traveling to Europe and sampling all the great culinary treats that the Mediterranean region has to offer. Ever since we got back to Tennessee, we have been searching for restaurants that serve the foods we have grown to love. That is why we were so delighted to find World Foods. They are an authentic taste of the Mediterranean, right here in our own backyard. They are located at 22 North Cedar Avenue, just a few steps from the Old Depot in Cookeville. Believe us when we tell you that it would be well worth your while to find them and sample the fine foods they offer.
The story of this great restaurant starts a few years back as owners Al and Sharon DeFosche were renovating an old building that they owned on Cedar Avenue. It was then and there that the idea for World Foods was born. Their brainstorm idea was to combine a prime piece of real estate in the heart of the Historic Downtown and the love of distinct and flavorful foods. The combination has been working perfectly for about
2 � years now. Part Delicatessen and part International Grocery, World Foods offers delicacies from Italy, Greece, Northern Africa, and the Middle East.
Our visit on September 9th was a culinary dream. We sampled several menu items, including the Gyros (a Greek specialty with Lamb and Beef with Lettuce, Tomato, and Tzatziki Sauce), the Dolmas (Grape Leaves stuffed with rice), Tabouli (a Middle Eastern wheat salad), and the Spanikopita (Filo Pastry filled with Spinach and Feta Cheese). World Foods also makes some of the best Pizza you will ever eat. We personally recommend the Clam and Garlic Pizza and the Quattro Formaggio (Four-Cheese) Pizza.
The menu also includes 10 sandwich choices, including Pastrami, Corned Beef, Reuben, Philly Cheese Steak, Roast Beef, Meatball, Italian Sausage, and the Muffaletta (a New Orleans inspired favorite of ours). The dessert choices are out of this world also. For the sweet tooth, they offer Cannoli, Chocolate Cannoli, Cheesecakes, Tiramisu, and the best Baklava this side of Syntagma Square in Athens, Greece.
Al DeFosche told me that his love for the foods from these regions of the world started as a child. When all the other kids were outside learning to play baseball, he was in the kitchen with his grandmother learning to cook. It was time well spent in our opinion. So maybe Al can�t hit a curveball, but we bet Barry Bonds can�t make a Clam and Garlic Pizza either. Go by and visit World Foods and tell Al and Sharon that the guys from Eating Tennessee sent you.
World Foods is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. They are closed on Sundays and Mondays. Send your questions and comments to [email protected] or write to us at P.O. Box 3393, Cookeville, TN 38502-3393. Your response is greatly appreciated. We wish you health, wealth, and a good appetite. |
